Best Historical Places to Visit in Johor Malaysia
Johor is rich in customs and traditions. This custom has been passed down from generation to generation. From foods, people to history especially their signature building, palace etc. The peoples here are very polite and friendly. No wonder they have very good history and culture. What are historic places you can visit? Below we list some historic places to visit for your references.
Best Historical Places to Visit in Johor Malaysia Summary
- Attraction: Best Historical Places to Visit in Johor Malaysia
- Location: Johor Malaysia
- Attraction Type: Historical Building in Malaysia
Best Historical Places to Visit in Johor Malaysia
Historical Places to visit Bangunan Sultan Ibrahim
Bangunan Sultan Ibrahim is a monument of western and eastern architecture, a symbol where traditional and modern civilization blended harmoniously together. Bangunan Sultan Ibrahim was the earliest skyscrapers and stood the tallest amongst the buildings in Johor Bahru until the 1970s.
Officially inaugurated in 1942, this historic building is a symbol of the King’s visionary plans for Johor. Gaze at the building’s western and eastern design, a product of the prominent British architecture firm Palmer and Turner. With a total build-up area of 60,000 sq ft, the total construction of Bangunan Sultan Ibrahim was estimated to cost a whopping RM2 million.
Historical Places to visit Dataran Bandaraya Johor Bahru
The soul of Johor Bahru captured in a square that serves as a reminder of the humble beginnings of this thriving, rapidly developing city. Dataran Bandaraya has been the main square of Johor Bahru since it was declared a city back in December of 1993. The clock tower which stands mightily in the square was erected not long after and is now an iconic landmark forever etched in the city’s rich heritage. The dataran is now used for large scale official events, with a stage set up just in front of the clock tower.
At night, multiple vans set up shop here, making this a great place to have a steamboat dinner. Whenever major football games of the local team are being played, multitudes of fans drop by to watch the match on the big screen that is set up by the stage. Though there has been so much development around Dataran Bandaraya since it was first built, it is one of the few places where you can still feel original spirit of Johor Bahru.
Kampung Johor Lama
Leave the hectic city life and experience the rustic and relaxed lifestyle at Kampung Johor Lama for a truly unique travel experience. Leave your stress behind and embark on a journey that starts 73km away from the bustling city of JB. Be mesmerized by the tranquility of this kampung and live the kampong life to truly experience the old ways the Johoreans once upon a time had.
Kampung Johor Lama is all that remains of the foundations of what is termed the old Johor Kingdom which was ruled under the auspices of the ancient Malacca empire, before becoming a kingdom in its own right after the fall of Malacca. Overran by the Portuguese after Malacca City fell in the 16th century, only the village remained to mark what was once the most important trading post and administrative centre in the region.
It was also the site of the Kota Lama, the fort which once guarded the old settlement, though now only archaeological ruins remained to mark the spot. The nearest town is Teluk Senget, which sits near the mouth of Sungai Johor, facing the South Chinese Sea. To learn the history of this village, visitors can head on to the Johor Lama Museum and immerse themselves in the folklore, culture and tales that have been passed on from generations to generations.
Kota Iskandar
Step into a different league of architectural beauty at Kota Iskandar, the pride and joy of Johor. It began with a vision for an administrative center like no other. Kota Iskandar embraces Islamic design elements, harmonizing civilization history, culture and nature. Named after the late Sultan of Johor, Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, Kota Iskandar will stun all with its curated harmonious environment and architectures.
Historical Places to visit Dataran Batu Pahat
Looking for a fun vibrant nightlife scene at Batu Pahat? Check out Dataran Batu Pahat, place where you and your friends consider hang out at. Like some sort of “uptown”, Dataran Batu Pahat has a lot to offer for their visitor such as foods stall, arts selling, and much more. There are also events such as concert, exhibition, and cultural performance took place once in a while since it is an open field in the middle of the town of Batu Pahat. Truly all-in-one center for your needs! The Dataran’s prominent landmark is a pair of hands chiseling stone sculpture that represents Batu Pahat’s square. Place that won’t call it a night.
Historical Places to visit Dataran Segamat
Dataran Segamat or Segamat Square was constructed in 1996 as the main venue for Johor’s state level celebration of the Malaysian National Day. In 2005, when Segamat was once again chosen as the state-level host, Dataran Segamat was renovated beautifully. It also houses the clock tower and a durian replica that makes Dataran Segamat the landmark of Segamat.
Galeri Dato Onn (BP)
You know his name but not his story. So, consider yourself to get to know Johor’s late former Chief Minister deeper than ever at gallery Dato Onn Jaafar located at Batu Pahat. In this gallery contained some memory, photographs, artifacts and personal items belong to Dato Onn that are well preserved and displayed orderly in the main gallery as well as exhibition hall. Visitor can look forward to witnessing the daily life of our statesman
Galeri Seni Johor (Art Gallery)
Connect to history, art and architectural glory at the Johor Art Gallery, a historical building that stood the test of time since 1910. Located in Jalan Petrie, The Johor Art Gallery building was built in the year of 1910 and used to be the official residence of the third Chief Minister of Johor, Dato’ Abdullah Jaafar. The government decided that one way of preserving the unique architecture of the building was to turn it into an art gallery. This art gallery was opened on 29th January 1994 by the Chief Minister.
Royal Abu Bakar Museum
This architectural wonder was completed in 1866. It was commissioned by the late Sultan Abu Bakar and is also known as the Grand Palace (Istana Besar Johor). The palace was renovated to become a museum in 1982 and was officially opened in 1990.
Tanjung Balau Fishermen’s Museum, Bandar Penawar, Johor
Be transported back in time to witness the bygone era of traditional fishing in Malaysia. The Tanjung Balau Fishermen’s Museum is a one-of-a-kind attraction not only in Johor, but in Malaysia as well. Opened in 1992, the only fishing museum in the country has long attracted visitors with its displays of time-honored fishing traps such as the “bubu” and “pukat”.
Also on show are old fishing boats used by the fishermen that have braved the waters off the East Coast in search of large hauls. The shipwreck gallery exhibits all the vessels that capsized in the nearby waters in the 1800’s. Visitors will also get the chance to delve into the world of fishermen superstitions and pre-fishing routines adopted in the old days. The museum is open daily from 9am to 6pm, with entrance fees of RM4 per person.
What are things to do after visiting attraction places in Johor Malaysia?
You can eat the best Malay foods and it is authentic and 100% original!
- Go to JDT Stadium and buy merchandise.
- Go to JBCC or JB Komtar for shopping.
- Just eat lontong and mee bandung.
More Best Historical Places to Visit in Johor Malaysia
Galeri Terompah Mastor
Gallery that consists variety of terompah’s shape and color. With seven forms of terompah’s design, each of them used bright and colorful paint to evoke the happy mood of the wearer. Over one thousand terompah been made every month to meet the need of customer both locals and abroad. Now you know it is not your typical terompah. So, what you waiting for? Be a guest at Terompah Mastor gallery and rock it those wooden sandals like how our grandma does before!
Gurdwara Sahib Sikh Temple, Johor Bahru
Immerse in the rich culture of the Sikh at Gurdwara Sahib Sikh Temple and learn more on their exotic heritage. Walk amongst the 22 Sikh Gurwurkhi students at the Gurdwara Sahib Sikh Temple, situated in the heart of Johor Bahru. They are here on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Giani Gurdit Singh Ji Ghali Village Ghal Kalan. Ferozpur served as a Granthi for nearly 22 years in this Gurdwara from 1950 to 1972.
Explore this majestic landmark of the Sikh community in Johor Bahru and see a display of culture and customs that dates back for centuries. This Gurdwara is managed by an elected committee comprising a president, secretary, treasurer and their assistants and ten other committee members, working together to ensure that this holy landmark remains as majestic as it was first built.
Istana Bukit Serene, Johor Bahru
The Istana Bukit Serene is the official residence for the Sultan of Johor and remains as one of the most famous landmarks in Johor. The Istana Bukit Serene keeps its gates closed for safety precautions, but visitors can still snap photos and take in the majestic view of the palace. Marvel at the high tower, measuring as high as 35 meters and fully crafted with traditional motives and fascinating carvings.
Inside, a huge garden accentuates the palace and becomes the meeting grounds for celebrations and gatherings of the Royals. The crown arch that complements the palace was actually built as a gift by the Sultan of Johor for the people. If you’re lucky, you will get to see the Royal Highness himself as he gracefully entertains the tourists.
Jeti Nelayan Sungai Rambah, Pontian Johor
A quaint fisherman’s jetty painting the picture of hardworking Malaysians whose lives depend solely on the sea. The Sungai Rambah Fishermen’s Jetty is a quiet, calm place filled with honest, diligent people. Early in 2016, fishermen from this very jetty heroically went out to Kukup to help save a whale that was beached nearby. Such are the stories recanted by the fishermen who sit around shooting the breeze after an arduous day on the high seas. Although many eateries opened near the jetty roughly 18 years ago, only one still remains to this day.
A joint known as Mi Udang Manja serves up excellent Malay fare, specializing in noodle dishes utilizing the fresh seafood caught by the fishermen. With the atmosphere around Sungai Rambah Fishermen’s Jetty, it is easy to get lost in the moment where time stands still, further enhanced by the riverside ambiance.
Johor Bugis Museum, Pontian Johor
Traders, warriors, seafarers and at times pirates, the Bugis were one of the many ethnic groups that had come to settle in Peninsular Malaysia. One of the many components that made the country, Johor in particular, into the racial polyglot and melting pot of cultures that it is. The Bugis museum which sits next to the Teluk Kerang Mosque in Kampung Teluk Kerang, Pontian celebrates this memory.
The museum was built by the descendants of the Bugis and residents who live around the museum, who wanted to keep alive the history and tradition of their ancestors. Among the museums’ prized exhibits are various enlarged prints of original black and white photographs which help chronicle the story of the Bugis in Johor.
Johor Gu Miao, Johor Bahru
Visit the oldest Chinese temple in Johor Bahru and gain a fascinating insight on one of the oldest cultures in Malaysia. Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple (Chinese: 柔佛古廟; pinyin: Róufú Gǔmiào), also known as the Old Temple (Chinese: 古廟; pinyin: Gǔmiào) by the locals, is a Chinese temple located in Johor Bahru.
Located at downtown Johor Bahru of Jalan Trus, the temple is flanked by modern skyscrapers. This temple is one of the oldest structures in Johor Bahru. The temple is a place of worship and a symbol of unity among Five Chinese Dialect Groups which are “Teochew”, “Hoklo (Hokkien)”, “Cantonese”, “Hakka” and “Hainan”. In 2007, a Documentary series called My Roots had featured the temple in the episode “Grand March with the Deities”.
Kota Tinggi Museum
Designed to showcase and commemorate the glory of the Johor Sultanate which began after the fall of the ancient Malacca Empire to the Portuguese in 1511, construction of the Kota Tinggi Museum began in 1997, and it was open to the public in 2002. Kota Tinggi was chosen as the location for its historical significance as the seat of the Old Johor Kingdom.
It was also here in the Johor River Valley that the celebrated writer Tun Sri Lanang, wrote ‘Sejarah Melayu’, the greatest text to embody the lineage and tales of the Malay rulers. A walk through the two-building complex will bring you across time as you peruse its collection of rare ancient artefacts dating from the 16th century until today, including centuries old pottery, large canvas paintings, ancient musical instruments and the weapons which once symbolised the might and strength of Old Johor.
Kubu Bentayan, Muar
The last fortress of the retreat Malacca Sultanate soldiers before it falls during the attack of the Portuguese in the 15th century situated at the Sungai Bentayan, where the Bentayan Express Bus Station located now. There’s another fortress but built by the Portuguese and now being the famous historical place to be visit by tourist. If you enjoy yourself to merge into historical story and old building. Visit Kubu Bentayan to satisfy your pleasure.
Bukit Kepong
Bukit Kepong Museum is a natural and historical museum that located at small town of Muar’s district. This is basically a museum that enshrine historical facts about how the authority back then struggled to fight the notorious attack by communist towards Bukit Kepong police station during the emergency period. Have a visit to the museum and learn more about Bukit Kepong’s history and at the same time do appreciate the sacrifice made by our warrior.
Muzium Layang-Layang, Pasir Gudang, Johor
Through the ages of time, kites have been more than just instruments of play in Malaysia; they have been symbolic of the rich Malay culture that has withstood the test of time. At the Kite Museum or “Muzium Layang-Layang” located in Pasir Gudang, they pay homage not only to the traditional wau kites but also kites from around the world. Visitors will be treated to a variety of Malaysian wau kites as well as a massive international kite collection while learning about the roles they have played throughout history.
In addition, there is also a demonstration in making wau kites at fixed times every day. You will no doubt leave here with a newfound respect and appreciation for the humble kite. The Muzium Layang-Layang is open daily till 5pm and entrance fees are RM2 for adults, RM1 for children and RM3 for foreigners
*Credit: ourism.johor.my
Contact Johor Tourism
TOURISM JOHOR
Aras 3 – 24,
Pusat Penerangan Pelancongan Negeri Johor (JOTIC),
No 2, Jalan Ayer Molek,
80000 Johor Bahru,
Johor.
Telephone: +607-2241432 / +607-2249960/ +607-2234935